Bishop''s Lodge - Retreat to Resort Page 17

economic collapse that started the Great Depression seriously
threatened the business of the Bishop's Lodge. With grit and
determination, Mrs. Thorpe, known as "Mamacita," hung
onto her lodge, somehow managing to satisfy creditors and
serve loyal guests, who supported the lodge during those lean
years. During the winter months, four guest buildings were
leased to the now-defunct Brownmoor School for Girls, a
private preparatory school for young ladies. The school often
held social functions with the Los Alamos Boys School far
across the valley, one of whose students was Mamacita's son,
Jim Thorpe Jr. Two years after his graduation, the War
Department condemned the Los Alamos Boys School in
order to build a secret laboratory.

im Jr., had been raised at the lodge and
finally left a research-oriented business
career in Los Angeles in 1955 to return for
good. He was happy to be back under clear

blue skies, and Mamacita was glad to have him here, too. Assisted by Milly Foster, Dallas
Gant, Harvey Durand and others, the Thorpe family continued to build upon well-estab-
lished traditions. Over the years, new buildings, landscaping and facilities were added,
including the swimming pool, tennis courts, the skeet range and conference facilities, as
well as Sunset, Cottonwood and Piñon lodges. The installation of an innovative wastewater-
treatment system brought national environmental recognition, and a long list of accolades
has confirmed the reputation of the Bishop's Lodge as a fine resort.

After 80 years of Thorpe family ownership, the Bishop's Lodge was sold in January of 1998.
The new owners are dedicated to preserving the heritage and beauty of Lamy's ranchito and
the traditions of hospitality that he initiated so long ago.

Today the simple little chapel built more than a century ago by this displaced French prelate
continues to welcome its visitors for moments of peace and reflection.

"The Bishop's Chapel," by Theodore Van Solen.
The original of this painting by a long time
friend and neighbor is now in the permanent
collection of the Museum of New Mexico.
Gravely disappointed at not having been able to
acquire the original, Mamacita Thorpe finally
prevailed upon the artist, who had retired from
painting because of failing vision, to produce for
her a copy of his well-known work. Van Solen's
copy still resides at the Bishop's Lodge.

Founder of Bishop's Lodge Resort,
James R. Thorpe Sr. (seated left)
relaxes with friends on the west terrace,
several years before his death in 1928.